Magnetic hanging system and methods of use

ABSTRACT

A system for retaining a sheet, such as paper. The system includes a first elongate portion pivotally hinged to a second elongate portion. Preferably the hinge extends the length of the system. The sheet is held between the first portion and the second portion by magnetic forces. The sheet may additionally be punctured by a piercing member present on one of the elongate portions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a retaining system or device. In particular, the present invention is directed to a retaining system for a sheet, such as paper, the system including an elongate hinge, a magnet and a piercing member.

Various designs of systems and devices for retaining a sheet, such as a paper page, are known. A very common system that grips the sheet is a standard clipboard. A clipboard generally has a jaw that is urged against a planar surface or tablet, often by a spring mechanism or other tension mechanism. Attempts have been made to improve on the common clipboard. One design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,758, which provides a piercing clamp for holding sheets of paper. In addition to the spring-loaded jaw to hold the paper, the device includes piercing pins on the jaw, which pierce and thus enhance the hold on the paper sheet. This overall design is fairly old, also having been generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,878,12 and 9,588,01. U.S. Pat. No. 2,512,447 teaches a similar paper holder, having a self-punching, spring loaded, hinged clamp that can hold a sheet in a vertically depending orientation.

There is always room for alternate designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a sheet hanging system that is capable of securely holding a sheet or sheets, in a vertically depending orientation. Magnetic forces and piercing the sheet hold the sheet in place. Sheets can be easily inserted into and removed from the system.

In one particular aspect, the invention is to a sheet hanging system having a first elongate portion pivotally connected to a second elongate portion by an elongate hinge. The first portion has an inside surface, first end and an opposite second end, the second portion has an inside surface, a first end and an opposite second end, and the hinge has a first end and an opposite second end. The first ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge are aligned, and the second ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge are aligned. A magnetic surface is present on the inside surface of the first portion, and the inside surface of the second portion is configured to magnetically attract to that magnetic surface. There is at least one piercing member on the inside surface of one of the first portion or the second portion, and there can be at least one receiver on the other of the first portion and the second portion to align with the at least one piercing member. There could be at least three receivers, with at least one of the receivers aligned with the at least one piercing member. In one particular embodiment, the piercing member(s) are on the first portion having the magnetic surface.

There could additionally be a decorative element, such as a decorative plate, on the system. The decorative element could have a first end being flush with or extending past the first ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge, and a second end being flush with or extending past the first ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge.

In another particular aspect, the invention is to a sheet hanging system having a first elongate portion pivotally connected to a second elongate portion by an elongate hinge. The hinge extends at least between the first end and the second end of the first portion. There is a magnetic surface present on the inside surface of the first portion, and the inside surface of the second portion is configured to magnetically attract that magnetic surface. There is also at least one piercing member on the inside surface of one of the first portion and the second portion, typically on the inside of the first portion. There can be at least one receiver on the other portion aligned with the at least one piercing member. There could be a decorative element, such as a decorative plate, on the system. The decorative element could have a first end flush with or extending past the first ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge, and a second end flush with or extending past the second ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge.

Any of the above described sheet hanging systems may have the first portion pivotally connected to the second portion, and where one of the first portion and the second portion is configured into at least two units. In one embodiment, the first portion has three units, the total length of which is generally equal to the length of the second portion and the hinge that pivotally connects the first portion to the second portion.

In yet another particular aspect of the invention, a method of holding a sheet is provided. The method includes providing a retention system, positioning a sheet within the retention system, and holding the sheet by magnetic forces between the first portion and the second portion. The sheet could also be held by puncturing the sheet.

In a particular preferred method, the retention system has a first elongate portion pivotally connected to a second elongate portion by an elongate hinge. There is a magnetic surface present on the inside surface of the first portion and the inside surface of the second portion is configured to magnetically attract to that magnetic surface. There is preferably at least one piercing member on the inside surface of one of the first portion and the second portion. The method of holding the sheet includes positioning a sheet between the inside surface of the first portion and the inside surface of the second portion and then pivoting the first portion toward the second portion, thus retaining the sheet between the first portion and the second portion by magnetic forces between the first portion and the second portion. Also, the method can include piercing the sheet with the at least one piercing member to retain the sheet both by magnetic force and mechanical force (i.e., by piercing).

These and other aspects of the invention are described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hanging system according to the present invention; in particular, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hanging system having a first hanging unit and a second hanging unit, the first hanging unit illustrated in a first, disengaged, position and the second hanging unit illustrated in a second, engaging, position;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a hanging unit according to the present invention in a disengaged position, illustrating a sheet positioned to be engaged and held by a magnetic force and piercing structure;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a hanging unit according to the present invention in a disengaged position; and

FIG. 4 is a side view similar to FIG. 2, except that the sheet is positioned to be engaged and held only by the magnetic force.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the figures, where like reference numerals indicate like structure throughout the various figures, a sheet hanging system is indicated at reference number 10. In FIG. 1, sheet-hanging system 10 is shown as having a first hanging unit 10 a and a second hanging unit 10 b. In FIG. 1, first hanging unit 10 a is configured to secure sheet 102 and second hanging unit 10 b is shown with sheet 104 secured. Unit 10 a is illustrated in a disengaged position, with unit 10 a in an “open” position, allowing insertion and removal of sheet 102. Unit 10 b is illustrated in an engaged position, with unit 10 b in a “closed” position, securing sheet 104. In FIGS. 1 and 2, system 10, having units 10 a and 10 b, is illustrated mounted on wall or other surface 100.

Units 10 a and 10 b are used as an illustration to show that multiple units can form system 10. It should be also understood, however, that a single unit can form system 10. The following discussion will use unit 10 a as the reference, although the nomenclature used will be “unit” or “system”. Generally, each unit, such as unit 10 a and unit 10 b will have similar features.

Referring to FIG. 1, unit 10 a includes a first portion 12 having a first end 12 a, an opposite end 12 b and an extended length therebetween. Unit 10 a also includes a second portion 14 having a first end 14 a, an opposite end 14 b and an extended length therebetween. In the configuration illustrated in the figures, second portion 14 is mounted to wall 10 and first portion 12 is pivotally attached to second portion 14.

First portion 12 and second portion 14 are pivotally connected by an elongate hinge 15 having a first end 15 a and an opposite second end 15 b. An elongate hinge is often referred to as a ‘piano hinge’. In preferred embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, first ends 12 a, 14 a, 15 a align and second ends 12 b, 14 b, 15 b align. In other words, in preferred embodiments, each of first portion 12, second portion 14, and hinge 15 are the same length. In preferred designs, first portion 12 and second portion 14 are integral with hinge 15; that is, the three elements can be obtained as a single unit.

When in the closed or engaged position, first portion 12 and second portion 14 are positioned generally against each other, with an angle therebetween of generally 0 degrees. It is to be understood, however, that depending on hinge 15, when in the closed position, first portion 12 and second portion 14 may actually have some angle therebetween, but this is minimal. When in the open or disengaged position, the angle between first portion 12 and second portion 14 can essentially be any degree between 0 degrees and 360 degrees. Typically, however, when system 10 is mounted on wall 100, the maximum angle therebetween is 180 degrees. In most configurations however, the typical maximum angle therebetween is about 90-120 degrees.

Present on one of first portion 12 and second portion 14 is a magnetic surface; this magnetic surface is typically located on an inside surface of the portion, facing the other portion. Preferably, the other portion 12, 14, the one without the magnetic surface, is metal or some other material to which the magnetic surface is attracted. In the embodiment illustrated, as best seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, a magnetic strip 20 is provided on the inside surface of first portion 12. Magnetic strip 20 has a first end 20 a and a second end 20 b, which are preferably aligned with first ends 12 a, 14 a and second ends 12 b, 14 b, respectively. Magnetic strip ends 20 a, 20 b are also preferably aligned with hinge ends 15 a, 15 b.

Present on one of first portion 12 and second portion 14 is a tack, pin, punch, needle, point or other piercing member that is capable of passing through paper or generally any other sheet that is to be retained by system 10. Present on the other portion 12, 14, the one without the piercing member, is an aperture, indent, recess, or other similar structure to receive the piercing member. In the embodiment illustrated, as best seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, extending from magnetic strip 20 on first portion 12 is a piercing member 22. Second portion 14 includes an aperture 24 aligned with piercing member 22 for receiving piercing member 22. In FIG. 1, each of unit 10 a and 10 b has three piercing members and three apertures.

System 10 of the present invention is particularly suited for holding sheet materials, including papers, photographs, films and plastics, rubbers, cloths, and other sheet materials and documents. The magnetic engagement of the magnetic surface, such as magnetic strip 20 on first portion 12 with metallic second portion 14, provides a secure hold of the sheet materials, by frictional engagement between the portions 12, 14 and the sheet being held. See, for example, FIG. 4, where sheet 102 is positioned to be engaged between and held by magnetic strip 20 on first portion 12 and second portion 14. In this figure, sheet 102 is not fully inserted into system 10, but is inserted only partially.

Sheet 102 may alternately be positioned between portions 12, 14 in a manner so that sheet 102 is engaged between and held by the magnetic forces and by being punctured. See, for example, FIG. 2, where sheet 102 is positioned to be engaged between and held by magnetic strip 20 on first portion 12 and second portion 14 and by piercing member 22. In this position, piercing member 22 punctures and preferably protrudes through the sheet material, providing a mechanical engagement with the sheet material. The point, when engaged with apertures 24 or other receiver structure, provides a lock on the sheet material. In this configuration, sheet 102 is fully inserted (or almost fully inserted) into system 10, so that the edge of sheet 102 is positioned between piercing member 22 and hinge 15.

Although not required, it is preferred that piercing member 22 or other point is positioned on the inside surface of first portion 12, to inhibit the possibility of a user from being pricked or poked by the point.

Preferably, positioned on the outer surface of first portion 12 opposite magnetic strip 20 is a decorative feature. Referring to the figures, system 10 includes a decorative plate 16 adhesively mounted to first portion 12.

Exemplary Embodiments

System 10 can have various configurations of elements having various sizes. The following exemplary embodiments are illustrative only of different suitable configurations and sizes of system 10. It is understood that other configurations and sizes are also suitable.

In a first example, system 10 includes a single unit having a first portion 12 with a magnetic strip 20 pivotally connected to a second portion 14 via a hinge 15. The first ends of first portion 12, magnetic strip 20, second portion 14 and hinge 15 are aligned, as are their respective opposite second ends. The length from these first ends to the second ends is 8 inches. The width of each of first portion 12, second portion 14 and magnetic strip is ⅝ inch. Extending from first portion 12 through magnetic strip 20 are two piercing members 22. Present in second portion 14 are four equally spaced apertures 24, approximately 2 inches on center, the middle two of which are aligned with the two piercing members 22. Attached to first portion 12, on the side opposite magnetic strip 20, is a decorative plate 16, having a brushed brass appearance. The width of decorative plate 16 is 1 inch. The first and second ends of the decorative plate extend past the first and second ends of first portion 12, magnetic strip 20, second portion 14 and hinge 15. The distance of overhang past the first and second ends is 0.5 inch, and the overall length is 9 inches. Although the system may vary from 1 inch to at least 96 inches in length, specific examples of other lengths for such a system include 6 inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches. The unit can be mounted to a surface, such as a wall, by adhesive or by mechanical means, such as screws, hook and loop (such as Velcro) or similar fasteners, or by magnetics to metal surfaces. In one mounting technique, flat head screws can be passed through the end apertures 24, those that do not align with piercing members 22.

In a second example, system 10 includes a first unit, a second unit, and a third unit, each having a first portion 12 with a magnetic strip 20 pivotally connected to a second portion 14 via a hinge 15. The width of each of first portion 12, second portion 14 and magnetic strip is ⅝ inch. In this example, the second portion for all three units is a single element; that is, a single second portion is present that extends the length of all three units. Also in this example, the hinge for all three units is a single element; that is, a single hinge is present that extends the length of all three units. The first and second opposite ends of second portion 14 and hinge 15 are aligned. The length of second portion 14 and hinge 15 from their first ends to their second ends is 29½ inches. This example includes three individual elements for first portion 12 and for magnetic strip 20. Each of the first portions 12 and magnetic strips 20 are 9½ inches long. The distance between the ends of the first portions 12 and the magnetic strips 20 of the first unit and the second unit, and of the second unit and the third unit, is ½ inch. This example also includes three individual elements for the decorative plate 16, the decorative plates being attached to first portion 12 on the side opposite magnetic strip 20. In this example, the decorative plates have a glossy black laminate surface. Each decorative plate is 1 inch wide and extends ¼ inch past the ends of first portion 12 and magnetic strip 20. Extending from first portion 12 through magnetic strip 20 for each unit are three piercing members 22. Present in second portion 14, for each unit, are five equally spaced apertures 24, approximately 2 inches on center, the middle three of which are aligned with the three piercing members 22. The overall length of the system is 30 inches. Although the system may vary from 2 inches to at least 96 inches in length, specific examples of other lengths for such a system include 20 inches, 40 inches, 50 inches, 60 inches and 70 inches. The unit can be mounted to a surface, such as a wall, by adhesive or by mechanical means, such as screws, hook and loop (such as Velcro) or similar fasteners, or by magnetics to metal surfaces.

Although exemplary systems having one unit and three units have been described above, it is understood that systems could be made having two units, four units, five units, or more. It is not necessary that multiple units of a system be the same length.

In the above discussion, hinge 15 has generally extended the entire length of first portion 12, second portion 14 and magnetic strip 20. Although this is preferred, in some designs, hinge 15 may be short of the ends of any or all of first portion 12, second portion 14 and magnetic strip 20. Similarly, in the above discussion, magnetic strip 20 has generally extended the entire length of first portion 12; although this is preferred, in some designs, magnetic strip 20 may be short of the ends of first portion 12. In the second example above, first portion 12 and magnetic strip 20 extend short of the ends of second portion 14.

In the above discussion, the magnetic surface, such as magnetic strip 20, has been provided on first portion 12, and second portion 14 is magnetically attractive to the magnetic surface. It is to be understood that designs of system 10 could have the magnetic surface present on second portion 14 and have first portion 12 magnetically attractive to the magnetic surface. Surfaces and materials that are generally attractive to magnetic surfaces include metals such as brass, steel, and iron.

It is to be understood that although units having two piercing members and three piercing members have been described above, each unit could have one piercing member, four piercing members, or more. It is not necessary that each unit of a system has the same number of piercing members. And, as described above, it is not necessary that the number of piercing members and recesses, apertures or other receivers to engage with piercing members, be the same. Preferably, however, the number of receivers is not less than the number of piercing members. It is also to be understood that for some systems, no piercing members are present; the magnetic forces alone retain the sheets.

Additionally, the discussion and examples above have provided the piercing member 22 on the first portion having the magnetic strip and the receiving apertures or other means on the other portion. The portion having the magnetic strip has been pivotal in relation to the wall or other surface on which system 10 is mounted. It is to be understood that the magnetic strip could be provided on the portion fixed to the wall and have apertures or other such receivers therethrough.

Although decorative plates of polished brass and black have been disclosed, it is to be understood that other decorative surfaces could be used, such a wood or wood-grain appearance, silver, nickel or tin, any colored plastic, ceramic, dry erase board, paper or paperboard, and other surfaces. Also, although plates being 1 inch wide have been described, other sizes, both wider and thinner, can be used. Additionally for example, a decorative element having a three-dimensional surface could be used. The decorative element can be attached to first portion 12 by adhesive or mechanically, such as by screws. The decorative element could be removable and replaceable from first portion 12; for example, the decorative plate could be secured to first portion 12 by a hook and loop system. In some designs, the first portion 12 itself is decorative. It is also to be understood that although the exemplary systems have included a decorative plate, one is not required.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. 

1. A sheet hanging system comprising: a first elongate portion pivotally connected to a second elongate portion by an elongate hinge, the first portion having an inside surface, first end and an opposite second end, the second portion having an inside surface, a first end and an opposite second end, and the hinge having a first end and an opposite second end, with the first ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge aligned, and the second ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge aligned; and a magnetic surface present on the inside surface of the first portion, with the inside surface of the second portion configured to magnetically attract the magnetic surface.
 2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one piercing member on the inside surface of one of the first portion and the second portion.
 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the at least one piercing member is on the inside surface of the first portion.
 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the inside surface of the second portion comprises at least one receiver aligned with the at least one piercing member.
 5. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one piercing member on the inside surface of the first portion; and at least one receiver on the inside surface of the second portion, the at least one of the receiver aligned with the at least one piercing member.
 6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a decorative element.
 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the decorative element has a first end extending past the first ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge, and the decorative element has a second end extending past the first ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge.
 8. The system according to claim 6, wherein the decorative element has a first end flush with the first ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge, and the decorative element has a second end flush with the first ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge.
 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the first ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge, and the second ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge, is at least 1 inch.
 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein a distance between the first ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge, and the second ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge, is at least 6 inches.
 11. A sheet hanging system comprising: a first elongate portion pivotally connected to a second elongate portion by an elongate hinge, the first portion having an inside surface, first end and an opposite second end, the second portion having an inside surface, a first end and an opposite second end, and the hinge having a first end and an opposite second end, the hinge extending at least between the first end and the second end of the first portion; and a magnetic surface present on the inside surface of the first portion, the inside surface of the second portion configured to magnetically attract the magnetic surface.
 12. The system according to claim 11 further comprising at least one piercing member on the inside surface of one of the first portion and the second portion.
 13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the at least one piercing member is on the inside surface of the first portion.
 14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the inside surface of the second portion comprises at least one receiver aligned with the at least one piercing member.
 15. The system according to claim 12, wherein the hinge extends at least between the first end and the second end of the magnetic surface.
 16. The system according to claim 12, further comprising a decorative element.
 17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the decorative element has a first end extending past the first ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge, and the decorative element has a second end extending past the second ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge.
 18. The system according to claim 16, wherein the decorative element has a first end flush with the first ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge, and the decorative element has a second end flush with the second ends of the first portion, second portion and hinge.
 19. A method of holding a sheet, the method comprising: providing a retention system comprising: (a) a first elongate portion pivotally connected to a second elongate portion by an elongate hinge, the first portion having an inside surface, and the second portion having an inside surface; (b) a magnetic surface present on the inside surface of the first portion; (c) the inside surface of the second portion configured to magnetically attract the magnetic surface; and (d) at least one piercing member on the inside surface of one of the first portion and the second portion; positioning a sheet between the inside surface of the first portion and the inside surface of the second portion; pivoting the first portion toward the second portion; and retaining the sheet between the first portion and the second portion by magnetic forces between the first portion and the second portion.
 20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising retaining the sheet between the first portion and the second portion by piercing the sheet with the at least one piercing member. 